CLIMATE CHANGE

Leaked IPCC report says GHG emissions must peak within 4 years

Global greenhouse gas emissions must peak in the next four years, coal and gas-fired power plants must close in the next decade, and lifestyle and behavioural changes will be needed to avoid climate breakdown, according to the leaked draft report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Published by Scientist Rebellion, an offshoot of the Extinction Rebellion movement, the leak is from the forthcoming third part of the landmark IPCC report, the first part of which was published on Monday, warning of unprecedented and irreversible changes to the climate. The journalist covering the leak reflected the concern of some of those involved in the report that their conclusions could be “watered down” before publication in 2022, as governments have the right to make changes to the summary for policymakers. (The Guardian)

POLICY

EU urges all major economies to raise climate goals by COP26

The European Union's top diplomat, foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, has called on the world's biggest economies to set tougher climate targets – including a commitment to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions – in time for the  global COP26 summit in November. Borrell highlighted that, as a major developed economy, the EU has a duty to lead by example. The call follows the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report’s warning that global warming is dangerously close to exceeding the limits countries agreed were needed to prevent the most severe consequences of climate change. The EU and United States this year set tougher targets to reduce their emissions by 2030. China, India and Russia are among those facing international pressure to raise their ambition in time for the UN climate summit in Glasgow. (Reuters)

STRATEGY 

Dozens of businesses sign up for the UK Tech Zero taskforce

A coalition of fast-growing UK tech firms, convened to inform policymaking and garner further industry support ahead of COP26, has amassed the support of more than 100 businesses. Among the taskforce’s new joiners are insurance comparison website Confused.com, classified advertising firm Auto Trader Group and Oddbox, which sells boxes of fruit and vegetables that would otherwise have gone to waste due to their cosmetic appearance. In joining the taskforce, if they have not already done so, companies pledge to set an “ambitious” net-zero target, supported by a climate action plan detailing short-term and medium-term interim targets that are aligned with climate science. These targets and plans should be reported on annually and clearly communicated to stakeholders, including customers. (Edie)

NATURAL CAPITAL

UK Government ponders role of nature-based solutions in local recovery strategies

The UK Government has opened a consultation to gain a better understanding of how nature-based solutions can assist with local strategies to contribute to rewilding, as part of a move across England to create or restore 500,000 hectares of wildlife habitat. The consultation will seek views on “Local Nature Recovery Strategies” across regions in England, as part of a commitment laid out in the Environment Bill. The Strategies are designed to drive the recovery of natural landscape and wildlife by creating frameworks for local areas to prioritise solutions and map proposals. They will form part of the national Nature Recovery Network, which plans to create or restore 500,000 hectares of wildlife habitat outside protected sites. The Environment Bill will require all local authorities in England to develop Strategies by 2025. (Edie)

SUPPLY CHAIN

Greggs bakes 100% Fairtrade cocoa commitment into supply chain

British high street bakery chain Greggs is expanding its fair trade and sustainable sourcing efforts, pledging to ensure all of its cocoa meets 100% Fairtrade standards across its supply chain. It said the move to sustainable cocoa across its supply chain would improve household incomes for cocoa growers as well as helping to tackle climate change and further the Fairtrade call for women's empowerment. The move aims to support its broader commitment to source sustainably and have a robust responsible sourcing strategy in place by 2025, as well as supporting the ambitions of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Greggs has sourced its coffee and fruit entirely from Fairtrade accredited suppliers since 2005, since adding apple and orange juice, sugar sticks and syrup, tea, and hot chocolate to its Fairtrade commitments. (Business Green)